Take a sip of some of the sweetest goods the Smoky Mountains have to offer! The Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain WineFest will offer visitors and chance to uncork and unwind this weekend. The event will take place from 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
The WineFest will feature offerings from 15 wineries, located all across Tennessee. Participants include: Grinder’s Switch Winery, Keg Springs Winery, Beachaven Winery, The Grape Barn at Nolichucky, Spout Spring Estates, Blue Slip Winery, Sumner Crest Winery, Beans Creek Winery, Tennessee Valley Winery, Mountain Valley Winery, Delmonaco Winery, Stonhaus Winery, Amber Falls Winery, Sugarland Cellars and Eagle Springs Winery.
Visitors will also have a chance to sample small plates from The Melting Pot, Vista Grill at Park Vista, Ober Gatlinburg and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
In addition to showcasing some of the region’s tastiest food and drink, the WineFest will feature a variety of wine education as well. Talks about food pairing, wine making and more are on the agenda.
The event is limited to guests aged 21 and older. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online here.
Gatlinburg is just a stone’s throw away from Pigeon Forge, located about seven miles south along U.S. 441. While you’re in town, consider checking out some of the area's best shows, attractions and other exciting offerings!
According to information from the National Park Service, US-441/Newfound Gap Road is temporarily closed between Gatlinburg, TN, and Cherokee, NC. The NPS reports the road should be open again by mid-May.
If you’re driving through the area, please use caution. Get information about alternate routes by checking out trip-planning information from the NPS and following @SmokiesRoadsNPS on Twitter.
Driving through Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains is a breathtaking experience – you’ll cover some of the most beautiful roads in the country! If you’re planning a road trip through the mountains, keep the following considerations in mind to stay safe and make your drive even more enjoyable.
1. Know the rules of the road. The car going uphill generally has the right-of-way on mountain roads.
2. Don’t drive downhill any faster than you’d drive uphill. Consider putting your car in a lower gear to help send extra power to the wheels and get more traction.
3. Don’t hug the dotted line. Remember that mountain roads can be narrower than interstates and city streets. Stay in the middle of your lane and try not to hug the center line as you drive.
4. Be aware of weather conditions. Here in East Tennessee, springtime weather can change quickly. Stay up to date on the forecast and use caution should Mother Nature create any adverse driving conditions.
Do you have a favorite drive through the Smokies? Tell us about it in the comments!